Pictured: Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Super Chunky in Vintage Pink (955) & Daffodil Yellow (921).
YARN INFO: Weight: Super Chunky – Needle/Hook: 10.00mm (US 15) – Composition: 50% Acrylic/50% Wool, Ball Weight: 100g (3.5oz) – Yarn Length: 55m (60yds) – Tension: 9 sts, 12 rows to 10cm/4″.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Wool Mix Aran and Chunky.
I have to admit that I’m a bit late to the yarn party when it comes to chunky knits. I’m a DK/Aran kinda lass, generally because of the type of items I design, but now I’m starting to (almost accidentally) specialise in designing outerwear for kids I’m seeing that chunky is the way to go in most projects.
It’s also true that I’m yet to find the ‘perfect’ super chunky yarn (that said, an affordable wool or wool-mix that feels good and doesn’t leave my teeth vibrating) and that’s why I was so happy to receive some samples (kindly) from the lovely and generous folk over at LoveKnitting and Paintbox Yarns to try out!
FYI, There are some fierce chunky knitters on Instagram (check out the inspiring Tiam at Knitsafari and the so-cosy-it’s-ridic Hookedhazel) that seriously give you #chunkyfeels (should that be a hashtag or does it sound a bit dodgy?) and make you want to run to your LYS and buy all the chunky yarn even if it’s mid-Summer. And why not? I think us chunky knitting fans should seriously start a campaign for chunky-knit fashion to be a thing even if it’s 30º outside…
So basically I’m a convert, and this yarn is why.
When I opened the lovely packaging (BIG love for LoveKnitting’s pink parcels and useful drawstring bags) my first thought was, ”PHWOAR!” and then, “AWW!” quickly followed by a “OMG, THEY SENT ME THREE BALLS!” and then a great deal of, “I’M STOPPING ALL MY WIPS AND CASTING THIS ON NOW!” much to my fella’s bemusement and semi-fear.
I’d been planning to design some children’s outwear for that tricky transition between Winter and Spring for a few months – that time where you don’t know what kind of coat the kids (or you) should wear – and those sunny playground days where they still need a warm but also light scarf or hat, so I must say that this yarn arrived at the perfect time.
It’s very soft to the touch, and has a cotton-like feel to it, almost as if it’s a wool/cotton blend, as well as being surprisingly light and fresh. That doesn’t mean that it’s not warm and cosy however; it’s clearly a great all-season yarn that can keep you snuggly in the snow or warm enough yet fresh in the Spring or even Summer. I really love that.
I’m having #chunkyfeels dreaming about using it for a chunky sweater or little skirt (sooo modern) at the moment, but currently I’ve cast on a ridiculously simple but pretty Seed Stitch cowl (which is why the third ball isn’t pictured) which really shows how versatile this yarn is. It’s so chunky that even a stitch as easy and simple as seed almost looks like a crocheted puff stitch or something far more intricate. I live.
Another thing to mention is the simple overwhelming array of colours that are available. You can spend ages looking at the variety of brights, pastels and neons that they have on sale, as well as checking out the lighter Chunky variety and the slimmer Aran type that’s definitely next om my list to try out.
The generous size means that you can whip up an adult’s cowl using one hank, or possibly two child-sized ones.
All in all, a fabulous yarn with so many project options (check out my project ideas below for inspiration) that comes at an affordable price. Long live Paintbox Yarns!
PROJECT IDEAS:
Winter accessories, throws/blankets, poufs, baskets, modern kidswear (chunky sweaters, skirts, legwarmers), cushion covers.
Emmaknitty 